Letters: A cry for help

This is in response to the Feb. 12 story about the beating death of Boston terrier, Candy Cane.

First, I want to extend my sympathy to Joe and Dorothy Montgomery.

How sad and tragic to lose a beloved pet in such a horrific way, and sadder still that there are those in our society who have so little compassion and regard for life.

As for the young man who committed this act, I sincerely hope he is punished to the extent the law allows.

For someone this young to have this kind of aggression and disregard for life leads one to wonder what will come after the killing of a defenseless dog.

Perhaps the next victim will be another animal - or a classmate, young child, or senior citizen. Perhaps someday it will be his wife and children.

This young man certainly needs counseling. Let's hope his parents and the authorities get him the help he needs.

Joye Walters

Amarillo

Don't mess with trash service

In response to Jerriann Smith's March 27 letter about garbage trucks, it is not the responsibility of the driver to chase after trash when it flies out of the Dumpster or spills down the side of the truck and blows down the alley or street.

The driver cannot be exiting the truck and chasing all the plastic grocery bags, newspapers, food wrappers, etc., all over town.

Dumpsters may not be the best solution to our garbage collection system.

Wind blows the lids open and loose trash will blow out. But in many local communities, it is the only system in town.

If the citizens of our communities would practice good Dumpster etiquette instead of pointing fingers, we could eliminate much of this problem.

When putting your household trash in the Dumpster, have it in a secured garbage bag rather than deposited into the Dumpster loose. Break down cardboard boxes before putting them in the Dumpster. Recycle whenever possible.

Only put items in the Dumpster that your city allows. Do not "flip" the lid back and stack trash on top. Do not pile trash next to the Dumpster. After placing trash into the Dumpster, close the lid.

The trash didn't grow there; it was thoughtlessly put there by someone. The responsiblity for cleaning up these trashy areas belongs to each and every one of us. We can start by not littering, period.

Kathy Green

Canyon

Freedom to live is a matter of choice

I'm writing with regard to Richard Boyer's letter stating that the youths who killed the antelope near Dalhart were not punished enough, and the boy who killed the Boston terrier in Amarillo probably wouldn't be either.

Why should they be punished at all, when we allow doctors to brutally murder unborn babies every day - all because women want the freedom to choose not to be burdened with a baby?

Maybe this boy didn't want to be bothered by a barking dog. Freedom of choice, you know.